Journal Published Online: 01 March 1988
Volume 33, Issue 2

Barefoot Impressions—A Preliminary Study of Identification Characteristics and Population Frequency of Their Morphological Features

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Footprint impressions of 107 male adults ranging in age from 19 to 67 years were recorded and examined. Included in this study were foot impressions from a pair of monozygotic twins as well. The impressions were recorded and converted into a set of indices which essentially are width-versus-length ratios of prominent features of the human foot. These indices were then correlated to yield probability values for use in this study and for comparison to data published by previous investigators Qamra, Abbott, Lovejoy, Cassidy, and Robbins. Friction ridge minutae were not considered in this study. Crease marks, well impressions, and toe step measurements were considered, but not incorporated in the probability values, because of the unique aspect of these features and the inability, at present, to convert these features to mathematical indices. These features do, however, introduce a subjective nature to the analysis scheme. This study uses the combined index probabilities of foot impressions so that the data generated can be used to assign a given probability that a particular foot impression, even without clear definable individual features, can be linked to the person who made the impression.

Author Information

Laskowski, GE
Kern County District Attorney's Office, Forensic Science Division, Bakersfield, CA
Kyle, VL
Kern County District Attorney's Office, Forensic Science Division, Bakersfield, CA
Pages: 11
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JFS11950J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11950J